Love Is Moving Issue 23 - SEPT/OCT 2017

ISSUE 23

CANADA’S CHRISTIAN YOUTH MAGAZINE

SEP/OCT 2017

LOSING YOUR EXCUSES Abigail Morgan p. 8

IS CHURCH IMPORTANT? Nathan White p. 17

HEART OF HEAVEN

HOW ONE NIGHT CHANGED EVERYTHING

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FAIREST OF THEM ALL

Candace Maxymowich p. 23

WONDER WOMAN Sam Boden p. 28

Contents

6

8

When the Snow Comes

Losing Your Excuses

12 Heart of Heaven

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23

28

Fairest of Them All

Wonder Woman

20 Precious to Jesus

Crileidy, you’ll be missed

WORDS FROM THE FOUNDERS God has opened doors, created partnerships, provided funding, and brought in great people to bring Love Is Moving to where it is today.

One of those people is Crileidy Liriano. Crileidy joined Love Is Moving as the senior editor of the magazine when we were at a crossroads — we were not sure what was next. God brought Crileidy into this ministry and used her to bring writers together to enhance the content of the magazine. As of the end of June, Crileidy stepped down from her position as senior editor and is embracing what God has next for her. We are thankful for all of Crileidy’s tireless sacrifice and work to establish Love Is Moving as the eminent youth magazine for Canadian Christians.

Again, we prayed asking God what is next. God replied swiftly with an extremely gifted young man named Conor Sweetman. Conor graduated from Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto this past spring as valedictorian of his class. Readers will already be familiar with him through the columns he has written in past issues. So, let us introduce you to our new senior editor… drum roll please… Conor Sweetman! This is just another testimony to the commitment God has to you, the reader, as you play a definitive part in the movement of love across Canada!

And that is not all! God has opened up bigger doors for Love Is Moving to be once again broadcasted on television. There is a new and exciting TV show coming out this fall called Outside the Box With Sheldon Neil. It will air in a prime-time slot, Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on YES TV (www.yestv.com). Love Is Moving will have a segment in this show to highlight how young people across the country are being transformed

by God’s love and taking steps to live it out in powerful ways.

Please continue to keep us in prayer as we watch God work for the sake of His kingdom in you, our readers.

We can’t wait to see what God will do next! We pray God will use you!

‘Til next time,

ART DIRECTOR MARK STEWART

SENIOR EDITOR CONOR SWEETMAN

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER BENJAMIN PORTER

EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER JOEL GORDON

Benjamin Porter and Joel Gordon, Co-Founders of Love Is Moving

Words from the Editor

Is love on the move?

A few months ago, I was honoured to be named the Senior Editor of this magazine. Since then, as I gathered, investigated and edited, I heard jaw-dropping stories of God’s power as I listened, my coffee getting cold. I saw snapshots into youth groups and organizations that are pursuing justice relentlessly. I recognized the love of Jesus embodied before my eyes in a hundred different faces. As the new editor, I have the opportunity to turn these moments of “Thy will being done” into articles and stories to encourage and inspire each other as young Canadian Christians. This magazine is a physical representation of how love is truly on the move; I hope that it gives a glimpse into how we are all involved in the story of God’s will being done on earth as it is in heaven.

Conor Sweetman LOVEISMOVING.CA | 3

A HOLY GRATITUDE Words by Andrea Nwabuike I tend to be an excitable person. When a song I like comes on the radio, I’ve been known to shout like I’m in the front row of a concert, belting out the lyrics (or at least my version of the lyrics) at the top of my lungs. While my appreciation for music is immediately apparent to all, other simple pleasures such as delicious food, beautiful sunsets, nice weather and samples at Costco get me going like a kid in a candy store.

Oftentimes, I catch myself in these blissful moments and I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the small wonders of life. Isn’t it a blessing to experience the creativity of another human being? Isn’t the concept of taste buds mind blowing? And how can you not get excited by free samples?!

is, not just what he has given me.

Pastor Matt Chandler, in his book The Explicit Gospel (Crossway, 2012), puts it this way, “We worship God when, while we partake of his good gifts, something occurs in the deepest parts of our soul that forbids glory terminating on the gift itself or on our enjoyment of it but that runs deeper into and extends out to the Giver.”

This is a holy gratitude — a gratitude that brings God glory as the very purpose of our lives. When our gratitude is not rooted solely in the good gifts we have been given, but rather on the giver of those gifts, we will experience a gratitude that lasts.

But, eventually the song ends or I finish my meal; the lady giving out samples gives me a dirty look, warning me to buy her stuff or move on. These triggers of excitement are momentary and fleeting. The sense of gratitude leaves as quickly as it came, only to be replaced by complacency, envy and dissatisfaction.

This type of gratitude — one that is dependent on fleeting feelings — is all the rage among our generation of millennials.

Gratitude journals and meditation apps based on thankfulness mantras all encourage us to pay more attention to the good things in life… What happens when the good things are gone?

As followers of Jesus, we are called to saturate our lives in gratitude; but the gratitude we are meant to practise is altogether different from the trendy concept that has found favour in North America. As Christians, our gratitude must be rooted in our worship of God. When “When the sun has set and the sun has set and dark dark clouds are looming, I clouds are looming, I can still give thanks because I can still give thanks because know the unchanging God I know the unchanging God who set the sun in the sky. I am called “friend” who set the sun in the sky.” by the one who invented taste buds and creativity and all the things that bring me pleasure in this life. I am thankful because of who God

Andrea Nwabuike Brampton, ON Influential book or album? Beautiful Eulogy’s 2012 album Satellite Kite has impacted my Christian life because of the richness of its theology and lyricism and its beautiful intersection of the gospel with our culture.

Matthew Hamilton

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Older Together and Younger Too Words by David J. Busuttil

We Stay children for too long Somewhere At our age Is a thin limbed one Hauling water For their family to drink As much a father as a son As much a mother as a daughter While we are open mouthed and hungry Wanting to be grown up Longing for the wisdom we are capable of We Lose innocence too early Fumbling for identity Imitating everything Presenting it to our friends Like they are gods presented a sacrifice Waiting to hear that it is acceptable You Are already acceptable Old as you are Young as you are But not because you presented But because He did Come Let us grow older together Come Let us grow younger too David J. Busuttil Hornby, ON

Influential book or album? The Brother’s Karamazov

by Dostoyevsky is a reminder to glorify God in whatever everyday life you engage in.

Clem Onojeghuo

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Words by Carly Ververs It’s Christmas Break, but the ground is bare, green, snowless. I get two Sundays at home before I have to go back to university. Pastor Roger preaches on the first Sunday, telling us to open our Bibles to 1 Corinthians 13 — The Love Chapter. I run my fingers over the words as he reads them. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” Pastor Roger looks up from his Bible and seems to look directly at me. “This is what love looks like. Are you loving people like this?”

When the Snow Comes

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I grip the edges of my Bible and think about ripping that page out, crumpling it up, and throwing it in the garbage. Dad’s face pops into my mind – my grip tightens and the page blurs. I love him. Of course I love him.

But have I been loving him well? If this is what love is – patient and kind and keeps no record of wrongs – then I haven’t been loving him at all, really.

By the end of the service, I start thinking that maybe it’s time to forgive him, but by the afternoon, anger and grief have strangled that thought.

“Forgiveness is white – thick snowflakes spinning in circles as they spill from heaven to earth. God takes our crimson sin, our bloodied bodies, and wipes them clean.“

Love never ends. The Greek word used in verse 8 – oudepote piptei – actually translates into “never falls.” Love doesn’t fall to pieces; love doesn’t collapse; love stands when all else falls.

Pastor Dan preaches on the second Sunday – his message is on being resolved to live our lives for the glory of God, a new take on New Year’s resolutions. When talking about what that looks like practically, Pastor Dan gives us four tests, one of which is the Love Test. “Do you love people like Jesus does?” he asks. I stare at the ceiling and wipe my sweaty palms on my dress. “The more our lives display genuine, self-giving love, the more they bring glory to God.” Toward the end of the service, the ushers hand out white cards with two blank spaces – one for our name and one for our specific New Year’s resolution. I stuff mine in my purse and don’t fill it out for months.

Forgiveness is white – thick snowflakes spinning in circles as they spill from heaven to earth. God takes our crimson sin, our bloodied bodies, and wipes them clean.

He makes them white as snow. But there is still no snow outside, and I don’t know if I can forgive my father, not if forgiving him means letting go of my anger. As Gayle Forman writes in I Was Here, “they don’t know about the mornings when anger is the one thing—the only thing—to get you through the day. If they take that from me, I am wide open: raw and gaping, and then I don’t stand a chance.”

I weep when I read those words for the first time and whisper them to myself when I can’t find my own.

When I get back to university, I cry as I tell my mentor, Hennie, about my Christmas Break – about how Dad was forty minutes

late to dinner, about how our Christmas dinner was at Swiss Chalet, about how my sister cried at the table and I rubbed her back, about how I cried after he hugged me goodbye and drove away. “I hate him. I hate him so much,” I say, tasting salty tears in my mouth. “What is wrong with me? What kind of daughter hates her father?”

“The kind who’s been hurt deeply,” Hennie says gently. “Anger is the flip-side of hurt.”

“How am I supposed to forgive him?” I sob the words, “He left me. I mean, I knew he was leaving Mum, but I didn’t realize that leaving Mum meant leaving me.”

Easter is the next holiday we celebrate without Dad. At the Good Friday service, I hear the words of Jesus on the cross – I have heard them countless times before, but something cracks open in me this year.

I look at the wooden cross at the back of the stage and picture Jesus hanging from it – the nails driven through his feet and hands, the blood from the crown of thorns matting his hair, streaking his face, running into his eyes. The soldiers casting lots at his feet. The crowd thirsting for his blood, his death. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

out. “I, Carly, resolve to live my life for the glory of God by committing (God, help me) to love others well – my father, specifically.”

I spoke the words at Easter, but I swallow them more often than not for the next eight months. Forgiveness, I am learning, is not a one-time action. It is something you must choose over and over, every day, even multiple times a day.

It has been almost a year since I sat in church, running my fingers over the words of 1 Corinthians 13 as Pastor Roger read them. It’s my last Sunday at school before Christmas Break, and I am at a church that meets in a movie theatre and listening to a different pastor speak about love and forgiveness. When I walk home, snowflakes swirl in the sky and melt when they touch my hair and my face. Forgiveness is white, and the snow has finally come.

My throat closes up, and I can feel my lips, my hands start to tremble, but I stare at the cross. How am I supposed to forgive him, God? He wrecked me. He’s still wrecking me. And you want me to forgive him? I can’t.

I don’t hear the words audibly, but there they are: Let go.

And then I weep, because I know He’s right.

I have held onto my anger for long enough – it’s going to bleed me dry if I don’t let go.

I press my hands to my mouth and whisper, “I forgive you, Dad.” Father, forgive him, for he knows not what he does.

When my hands steady and my tears slow, I find the white card in my purse and fill it

Carly Ververs Wasaga Beach, ON Influential book or album? Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre - I’m an expert idol maker, but as with Jane, God reminds me that sometimes I love people or things too much, that I can’t lose sight of the Creator in idolatry of his creation.

Jon Flobrant

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Losing Your Excuses Words by Rose Ennin

Have you ever been asked to complete a task you didn’t think you would be able to complete? An assignment that made you think there was no way you could fulfil it?

I remember the feeling vividly. There were times when I sat down to reflect on the depth of my responsibilities and had to admit I was in over my head. I did not think it was something I could complete in the time given or produce at the level of quality that was expected.

In such moments, fear and anxiety began to well up. The task filled my mind and seemed to grow out of proportion with what it really was — fear exaggerated my inadequacies.

The issue was not just about the task anymore, but fear turned the situation into a realization of what I could not do.

As I read the story of Moses, I saw that he could 8 | LOVEISMOVING.CA

relate to how I felt.

He was given a task (to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt) that from the outset he did not think he could complete.

“Pardon your servant, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant.

I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:25).

There’s something similar in the story of Solomon. He finds himself next in line to the throne as King David’s son. His huge task was to build a temple for the Lord and govern the people of Israel.

Both Moses and Solomon had great tasks or callings before them. However, one of them complained and gave God excuses, while the other went against his fear and instead asked the Lord for a strategy to help him accomplish the mission. Reading both stories really challenged me to ask myself how I am handling the tasks in front of me.

Do I sit and complain about why I am not fit for the job? Or do I stop fear from growing by asking God for help?

Fear has access to enter into our hearts when we take our eyes off God and look to ourselves.

Fear has access to enter into our hearts when we

take our eyes off God and look to ourselves.

The fear of failure and rejection is a factor that can hinder our ability to proceed with confidence towards the very thing God has called us to do. Fear causes us to be afraid of messing up in such a way that it will cause people to respond with rejection — just the thought of it is enough to scare us from even trying.

But, in the words of Wayne Gretzky, “You will always miss 100% of the shots that you never take!” Fear causes us to miss out on all the opportunities we have to go on a journey of faith with God. The truth is that sometimes the task is hard. Yet, if it is a task you know God has given you, then it is a mountain He is calling you to climb to show others that it can be conquered. There are far more significant things we lose by yielding to fear than we prevent when we abide in it.

If you are like me and still have tasks you desire to accomplish before the end of this year, then let’s ask God for strategy to accomplish instead of giving excuses to get out of it.

Rose Ennin Toronto, ON Influential book or album? The gospel duo MaryMary.

Their music, especially when they first came out really shaped the early steps of my walk with God. Their songs had positive and motivating messages with great beats that made it to be “cool” to listen to Christian music as a young teenager lol.

Mario Azzi

Fam, Shakespeare was Totes Ferda #blessup Essay Writing 101

Words by Sawyer Bullock My guess is that most of you reading this are high school students that are not big fans of English class. Your goal is to get the highest grade possible while putting in the least amount of work.

Well, my friends, you have come to the expert.

I have never considered myself a good writer and have invested a great amount of time and thought in order to now express myself in a semi-understandable fashion.

Here are my tips on one of the core components of persuasive writing: that is, the thesis. You cannot have a strong essay without a clear thesis and an organized structure; persuasive writing says something meaningful and in a way which makes sense. So, check this out and see if you find something helpful for your next school assignment.

Thesis A thesis is a statement which is put forward to be proven; it’s the point or idea that you are trying to convince the reader of. When constructing a thesis, ask yourself if it is 1) meaningful, 2) relevant, and 3) focused.

Take a look at possible theses for an essay about Romeo and Juliet.

“Love is dope” – Not focused. Both the terms “love” and “dope” are far too vague

and are not related in any way to the text.

A good thesis is zeroed in on one particular thing, even if it is talking about a topic as broad as love, for example.

“Romeo sucks at freestyling” – Not relevant. While this thesis is more focused than the previous, Romeo’s rap battle skills are not relevant in any way to the story. A good thesis doesn’t get caught up arguing trivial details or abstract concepts which are not related to the topic.

“Romeo thinks Juliet is pretty” – Not meaningful. The whole play is about the love of two characters, so while stating that Romeo likes Juliet is focused and relevant, it is not saying anything new. A good thesis is something that people can take either side on. If you are proving a point that no one disagrees with, you may want to reconsider your thesis.

looks like this: “This will be shown through ___________, __________, and ____________.

Each blank space is a point which you will expand into a paragraph. After those three paragraphs, you conclude your essay by once again restating your thesis and how you proved it.

Simple enough, huh?

Fight to keep your essay reigned in, though.

Make an outline and actively return to it during the writing process.

If you do these things well, you will have an organized essay which makes a persuasive case. Clarity, focus, and concision are characteristics of great writing which are within all our reach.

All the best in your upcoming assignments!

“The parallel between Romeo’s first and final monologues as well as Shakespeare’s twentieth sonnet suggests that Romeo was contemplating suicide hours prior to meeting Juliet” – Focused. Relevant.

Meaningful. This thesis gives insight into a main character and into a main plot event.

It is provocative and probably something which the reader has not thought about before.

Now that you have a world-changing thesis, make an outline of how you will prove it.

Usually the sentence following your thesis

Sawyer Bullock North York, ON Influential book or album? Desiring God by John Piper Oliver Thomas Klein

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YOUTH GROUP MAGAZINE ORDERS

We love youth groups!

Let us send some love your way.

Limited bulk packs of Love Is Moving magazine are now available free!

These free packs, sent directly to your church or school, do not include our sister magazine Faith Today.

For details, contact us at info@loveismoving.ca. Love Is Moving is written for youth and their leaders by youth and their leaders.

Love Is Moving is more than a magazine, it includes a variety of youth initiatives by The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC). Photo: Cornerstone Community Church and youth pastor Kevin White. Cornerstone is an EFC affiliate congregation.

Note: The EFC also continues to offer $2/issue bulk orders of Love Is Moving (packaged with Faith Today), with fees going to cover costs of production and distribution. www.faithtoday.ca/student.

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Recommendation

BOOK

The Truth Found in Fiction

We Were Liars Author E. Lockhart Publisher Dell Publishing

Words by Brittany Pettinger

God has spoken to me through many different things: people, dreams, and sometimes visions. At one point, He even spoke to me through a fictional novel that I read back in October 2016. The novel was called We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. I will not go into much detail as to what it’s about — you’ll have to read it to truly understand the plot.

I read We Were Liars at a time when I felt lost and distant from God. I finished it over the course of 24 hours. As I reached the end, I put it down with tears in my eyes, and hope in my heart. This story is not at all one that is “happy-go-lucky,” but God somehow found a way to use a piece of fiction to break down the barriers I had put up. The story focuses on a broken family that has become so full of jealousy and greed that they are on the brink of being torn apart. But through all the chaos, there is hope. Four young individuals want to build their family back up.

God took this piece of fiction and unlocked something inside of me.

The broken family I read about made me feel so much more aware of how important it is to cherish what I have. Emotions that I had refused to acknowledge came up to the surface. I suddenly felt like I could make a difference in the same way the characters in this book were trying to do. I do not know why God chose this particular book to speak to me, but I do know that He never makes mistakes, and does everything for a reason.

Just because We Were Liars brought me some inspiration, it does not mean it will for everyone. However, prepare to be surprised by God. In the Bible, He spoke to Moses through a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-4), He spoke to Saul through a bright light (Acts 9:1-5), and He even spoke to Balaam through a donkey (Numbers 22:22-40). If you ever think that God is not speaking to you, think again. He loves us, and He is constantly speaking to us. Take the time to listen and see what awaits you. I promise, it’s worth it.

Brittany Pettinger Elgin, MB

Featuring stories from Love Is Moving

Influential book or album? The album Brave New World by Amanda Cook, because it opened my eyes to the beauty God has created, and the journey He has prepared for me.

Starting Sept 8 at 8:30pm on YES TV

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HEART OF HEAVEN

Words by Hannah Stanley The longest night of my life did not belong to me.

Hour by hour, the time that passed was borrowed – I did not possess a single moment. It was stolen by a woman I had met earlier that morning, marked by an encounter of hushed confession: “My-my husband...he beats two of my children and me. The youngest he will not touch, but…I fear for her as she grows older.”

I had met her in the middle of a crowded room, in the Middle East on the border of a war zone, full of men, women and children clutching torn papers with faded photos of their identification. From the moment she walked in the room I was drawn to her – I do not say that as a cliché. My spirit literally felt pulled in by her beautiful, confident demeanour. Her eyes had a light of unspeakable strength in them, as she balanced two of her young children on her hips and chased the third.

It was a friendship formed by the hours of waiting we settled into, as families were called up name by name to register

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“I spent the longest night of my life praying on my knees alongside the greatest Advocate we will ever know”

themselves under refugee status, and seek help from the church I was volunteering with. A brief, yet deep bond strung together across language barriers and cultural differences, by tea with copious amounts of sugar heaped into styrofoam cups.

We conversed as much as our broken translation would allow us. I asked about her children and her husband, who at the time was sitting in the street gambling and smoking with other men who had also lost not only their professions, but every possession they owned during their journeys across the border.

“He doesn’t sleep. He cannot. He has nightmares of the bombs, of the grenade that blew up my brother.”

I’m no psychologist, but piecing together the details of her family’s recent trauma, it sounded as if he was suffering from severe post-traumatic stress, and a deep sense of hopelessness in a situation he had no control over. And so, his violence became his control – his fist became his voice.

Silent tears streamed down her face as she attempted to describe their marriage and home environment. She told me she hadn’t slept for weeks either, because at night she feared for her life – that was when he was angriest (and probably the most fearful and vulnerable, as well).

Later, after feeble attempts at comforting her and assuring her that she was always safe with us, I promised her I would pray for her specifically that night, that she would experience deep rest in the midst of her situation. The remainder of the day passed, each hour scheduled and full of work for my team and me. That night, I clearly remember every other person in the room falling asleep immediately. I lay wide awake, more alone than ever. There are few things more frustrating than an unnecessary visit

of insomnia, especially in such a physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually testing environment. I was overwhelmed and needed all the sleep I could get in order to function. Hours passed, each more frustrating than the next. I was in physical pain at this point, my body completely drained of strength. I was restless, on my knees, rocking back and forth.

In the midst of my tired tears and desperate requests for sleep, I felt my heart suddenly stop, and lean into a still small voice I had grown to recognize: “Hannah, I’m with you. The sleep you were supposed to have, I’ve given to her. You are my daughter, as is she. This is sacrifice; this is love. Take these precious hours to pray for her and her family, and intercede on their behalf. I promise you, I will be your strength tomorrow.”

Assurance flooded my heart and calmed my spirit. God, all-knowing and ever-present, heard my prayers for that woman, and granted them by his grace. I truly believe he took the sweet, easy sleep I was expecting that night and gave it to her, willingly. I believe with my whole heart that she slept soundly that night.

The heart of the intercessor cries aloud, and in the spirit.

We can truly be called and feel compelled to pray without ceasing, entrusted with divine secrets and prophecies of old. We can be enabled to capture fleeting moments with the pleading of our lips and the requests of our soul. We can be woken from sleep to fall to our knees, caught between two realities, and stand firmly in the gap, moving the heart of heaven with every word, erasing the distance between earth and her Maker.

I had asked God to pour my life out as an offering, and he heard. I asked him to give her rest and peace in her own home, and this, though not at all what I anticipated, was how Jesus answered. He gifted me with time set aside with him, for her sake. Jesus blessed me with the opportunity to empty myself for someone else, to teach me love as sacrifice, simply because he did the same for me.

I spent the longest night of my life praying on my knees alongside the greatest Advocate we will ever know, and this is what he taught me:

Hannah Stanley Vancouver, BC Influential book or album? The allegorical novel Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard has impacted my faith deeply; as someone who is very visual, the metaphors that mirror Jesus’ shepherd heart, and how he guides us through life’s mountains and valleys, helped me experience his relentless commitment to me.

Nino Ubezo

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The streetlights were the only thing that ever warned me of the darkness.

There were only park bench babysitters and boys who said they knew the way home.

I became a closed mouth half smile.

Learned to wear survivor like pull over sweater.

There are no questions when you look pulled together.

You don’t see the broken feet of the ballerina, just the pirouette.

You could say, that I have become an excellent dancer.

But each day my stomach a sucker punch of bad leftovers.

Inside I was falling apart for days at a time.

I took it as proof that I was not resilient.

I did not bounce back.

I was coal in a Christmas stocking; heavy and lifeless.

But Jewels that are heavy with purpose Do Not Bounce.

They take strength to lift.

Not everyone will be able to hold on to you.

Some people will walk away from things they can’t afford There are millions of diamonds all over this world undiscovered.

It takes a master to chip away at the darkness, a trained eye to see a diamond’s worth.

A hammer shaped like redemption to knock the dirt off its shoulders.

In the diamond business, it is called cutting, Maybe that is why it hurts to take the things meant to kill you and squeeze a life out of them.

Diamonds Words by Dagmar Morgan I did not wake up like this.

I did not stumble from the cradle of my mother’s womb ready for the spotlight.

My dressing room was a broken home.

My Dad, a Christmas gift I got to open once a year.

For him, weekend visits were a museum full of memories he did not want to relive, let alone pay admission to.

Mom dressed her army of emotions in economic blue - three jobs don’t work themselves So, you don’t ask for extra things like, love because you know it was something we can’t afford.

For me, family was an unsigned permission form It left me divided along the dotted line caught between landscapes, two sets of rules, two houses.

Learning two different dialects; my tongue split down the middle from calling two different men, Dad. Me, always digging trenches to find a place that I could lay down in.

A diamond is small, but it can cut through anything.

They can survive impact and still not be broken.

They can withstand temperature change so, turn up the heat.

If each struggle is a gem in the crown I wear, then each day crown me again.

How can I take these rough-cut pieces and buff them to shine back salvation.

I will never be flawless but in Him I am blameless.

He is chiseling every ache into accolade.

Every jagged angle into winged angel.

Every hour of prayer into stage time.

No, I did not wake up like this.

I worked for this.

Prayed for this.

Knees down, hands up for this.

Spoke life into dead days for this.

Read verses until I was tongue tied with truth.

And my God, He uncovered a diamond.

Dagmar Morgan Hamilton, ON Influential book or album? Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer Wu Yi

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Redirected Affections

By Marina Hanna

Some kid was screaming in the next aisle over, and I was wishing I could shop in peace as I lethargically shuffled my feet through an outlet store the other day. I grabbed another shiny knick-knack, turning it around in my palms. I quickly conjured up a reason I really needed it as I tossed into the cart with the rest of my things. My eyes wandered around the shelves in search of the next good deal.

I confess. The act of acquiring stuff is practically magical to me; there’s nothing like coming home with something new. My vice of choice is beautiful stationary — if I have it in my hands, it’s nearly impossible to put it back.

Unsurprisingly, I was in the stationery aisle when a crystal clear sentence presented itself in my soul, completely out-of-the-blue.

He’s using this against you, you know.

I froze, a person in suspended animation.

I know when a thought is from God because they’re typically quite unrelated to whatever I was thinking about, like a gentle shot to the heart. This time, I had been stressing over if I should purchase a notebook with

had since childhood. I began to see how he can target the weakest parts of our humanity, like wanting to be special, popular or rich. If we’re not careful, he’ll redirect our affections from the eternal to the temporal so subtly we don’t even notice.

1 Peter 5:8 warns to “stay alert” for If we’re not careful, he’ll us Satan, comparing him to a lion looking redirect our affections Anyways, I asked God, for a person to “Using what against me, from the eternal to the devour. I saw then and how?” that the devouring temporal so subtly we Satan, He clarified. He can happen slowly, don’t even notice. knows that if he can entice as a gradual chipping you into draining all of your away at your resolve money into foolish, meaningto love God alone. less garbage, then you won’t have any left to My eyes were now aware of the roaring lion spend on what I’m preparing for you. prowling around my heart, and the Holy Spirit told me that it was time to get the I swallowed hard, the notebook still in heck out of that store. my hand. I looked at the ground. God was convicting me about my spending habits as My revelation having fully unwound itself I was in the act. I slowly became angry, like beneath the bright lights of the stationary a person who’s just realized they’ve been aisle, I put down that notebook and I walked taken advantage of. away.

What God was revealing here made perfect sense. I grew up surrounded by families with new money who participated in consumer culture like it was a competitive sport. Bigger was always better. I remember Marina Hanna feeling inferior to my friends, who styled North York, ON the best outfits and the newest toys. pineapples on it for my science class, so...yeah.

God was showing me how clever Satan is.

He curled his grip around an insecurity I’ve

Influential book or album? Go, by the Newsboys. The band’s former lead singer, Peter Furler, writes lyrics with unparalleled depth and insight into what it is like to be head-over-heels in love with God, so I hear something new each time I listen to the album Andrew Neel

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Sponsored Content

COMPASSION

BROADCASTING HIS PRAISES

Timothy and Abigail are not your average newlyweds. Though they were college sweethearts and have a heartwarming love Timothy & Abigail’s Story story (told in full on their website), there is a unique quality to their relationship.

This series is about youth who strive to develop this generation into one of compassion. They are responding to the brokenness in the world by taking action with Compassion Canada.

We hope these stories inspire and encourage you.

Sure, the two 24-year-olds from Calgary both feature photos from their wedding day as the profile photos on their social media. But, in a world where many couples aspire to buy a house and nice car, go on extravagant dates and enjoy vacations, the MacDonalds have chosen to spend their time and money differently.

story of Jesus’ unconditional love.

At the end of the day, for Timothy and Abigail, it all comes down to this: “If we miss bringing the kingdom to earth, as it is in heaven, then we’re missing the point of why Jesus came.”

Married, single, dating, or engaged—that is something we can all learn from.

Find Timothy and Abigail online: Facebook & Instagram: @TimothyandAbigail Youtube: Timothy Abigail Website: www.timothyandabigail.com

“Going into our marriage, we talked about pursuing simplicity … and focusing our money on what matters most,” Abigail says.

For them, a big part of that means sponsoring four Compassion children. Their ability to do that doesn’t come from huge six-figure salaries (both work fairly “normal” office jobs), but rather from small, everyday spending and lifestyle choices. “Yes, we can go out and upgrade our car. We could upgrade our TV,” Timothy says, “we could do all those things and it’d be great, but [with Compassion], the money is going towards something that could change someone’s life — forever.”

This translates into how the couple spends their time, too. They met in broadcasting school, and found that serving together on the video production team at their church enables them to combine their love of creating audio and video content with serving God. Now, they use their broadcasting skills on their YouTube channel — not to promote themselves, but to share about their faith and involvement with Compassion. Most recently, they became Compassion volunteers and are planning a trip to the Philippines, Abigail’s birthplace, to visit some Compassion centres and share what they see and learn on YouTube.

Their inspiration stems from Isaiah “We believe that everyone 43:21: “The people I have shaped for has a story to tell and we myself will broadwant to share that through cast my praises” (emphasis added, the art that we love” NJB). This verse confirmed to Abigail that she was in the right college program at a critical point of questioning for her. And when Timothy and Abigail started dating, it served as a common vision on which to build their relationship.

“We believe that everyone has a story to tell and we want to share that through the art that we love,” they said in an email. Above all, their ultimate goal is to tell the greatest

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Alyssa Esparaz Pickering, ON Influential book or album? Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis challenged me so much in my early teens to really ask myself how much I would be willing to sacrifice for Christ’s kingdom.

Is Is Church Church Even Even Important?

Important?

Words by Nathan White I remember as a teenager, I would lay in bed on Sunday morning thinking to myself, “Why do I have to travel two hours into downtown Calgary and back again, just for church? Everyone is always saying to me that the church is not the four walls that we gather in. if that’s true, then why do we gather within these four walls every weekend when we could be sleeping?!”

It seems to me that, since my teenage days, there is now even a greater push back from young believers as to whether regular church attendance actually has any value in your Christian walk. I hear arguments like, “I love God and I don’t have to go to some church to worship Him,” or even, “Church is just full of judgmental hypocrites.”

It’s difficult when churchgoers — and even many pastors — tend to portray themselves as better than they actually are.

Personally, I understand the temptation to do that. When one works in ministry, there is always some amount of pressure to hide the ugly part of your life from the people who you are called to lead. But

the truth remains that church isn’t a place for people who have everything together — it’s a place for broken souls to find healing and restoration by becoming part of the body of Christ.

Jesus did not come and die for us so that we’d feel obligated to attend a weekly service. He came, simply yet profoundly, dying for us to be free to have relationship with Him, and to become part of His body, the global church. As a gathering of believers we work together to support, uplift, and serve

“He came, simply yet profoundly, dying for us to be free to have relationship with him, and to become part of His body, the global church.”

one another. We are all on our own journey, in our own time.

So, is church even important? YES! Don’t mistake a church full of broken people and pastors as God Himself. But realize that church is somewhere that other fallen people at various stages of their spiritual journey with Jesus come to encourage, support, and walk alongside each other as we worship God, hear from his word, and build relationship with one another.

Churches are not perfect, pastors are definitely not, but Jesus is. It’s not your pastor’s church and it’s not your board of elders’ church. Rather, it’s a group of people who are loved by God, uniting in order to change the world for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Be part of something amazing, invest in the community that you feel called to be part of — be real, be genuine, go to church with the intention of worshiping God with your words, songs, actions and your fellowship.

Church is important.

Nathan White Kelowna BC Influential book or album? Aside from the Bible obviously, Judah Smith’s book Jesus Is ____ has really caused me to look at the way I view the world and the way I view who Jesus really is to the whole world.

READ IT! Daniel Tseng

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Josh

Tiessen

His early success is remarkable and includes having been deemed an “Associate Living Master” by the Art Renewal Center — the premiere international centre for Contemporary Realism — as well as having his paintings hung around the world and featured in exhibitions in California and Colorado.

His artistic process is composed of lengthy hours in the studio painting and listening to audiobooks and podcasts. In his own words, “Each painting undergoes a long process.

A single piece can be in my mind and sketchbooks for 1-2 years before I actually start painting. Ideas formulate over time from things that I read, whether it be from Scripture or other books. I keep a sketchbook beside my bed for any imaginative ideas I have. Then, once I start the painting, it will take anywhere between 200-1,100 hours to finish the final product.”

Words by Conor Sweetman Josh Tiessen was featured by the Huffington Post as an art prodigy at the ripe age of 16.

With a calm and pleasant demeanour, he brings a sense of excellence and confidence to everything he applies himself to, particularly his artistic craft.

“I’m fascinated by the intersection of art and faith,” he explains in a soft, kind voice, “and I think my generation is interested as well, but we have to bring it down from the ivory tower of academia and into the common language for everyday people like us to understand. I’m interested in distilling philosophical and biblical concepts into pieces that are digestible through my art.”

With his awe-inspiring ability as a hyper-realist painter, he understands that realism can meet people where they are at with something immediately accessible. “It’s an approachable style of art that people can draw near to and appeals to all generations.”

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In his latest piece, “Occidental Babylon,” up to 60 photos were used as reference. Painted over a period of seven months, it is part of a series called “Streams in the Wasteland” based on the imagery of the Bible. This particular piece draws upon the Old Testament passage of Isaiah 13, where hyenas inhabit the ruins of Babylon, symbolizing a centre of idolatry.

Tiessen attempts to pack his paintings with theological meaning, often taking scriptural concepts and framing them in modern illustrations. Thus, this Babylonian metaphor got Tiessen thinking about the Californian gold rush in what is now called Bodie Ghost Town. What was seen as a kind of American promised land — the most successful boomtown of the era with a discovery of $34 million worth of goal — eventually became a metaphorical Babylon as the mines were ravaged, the gold dried up and the city was abandoned. A fire burned down almost all the buildings.

“I kind of made it as a cautionary tale,” Tiessen explains wryly.

Despite his artistic success which necessitates hours alone immersed in his craft, Tiessen desires that his life integrates the action-oriented faith of Jesus Christ. He explains, “I’m an introvert, so naturally I like being by myself in my studio, but it is very important for me to have where I curate a gallery a philanthropic and artist’s nights “artists have to get used to a element to my throughout the year, lot of failure, even if people business. So, a encouraging artists that few years ago I there can be crossover don’t really see that.” started the “Arts between their faith for a Change and art in a mutually Foundation.” beneficial scenario.”

Through that I’ve been able to donate Despite his success, Tiessen speaks humbly to over 75 charitable organizations, and reminds us, “Not everything is perfect, supporting a variety of causes — people, and people can get a certain impression animals and the environment.” that it’s all been amazing. But there have Tiessen enjoys inspiring youth to follow definitely been setbacks, and even health their passion, and as an extension of Arts wise, my family has chronic Lyme disease, for a Change, he has the opportunity to with symptoms affecting me as well. All in speak at schools, churches and community all, artists have to get used to a lot of failure, groups. even if people don’t really see that.

“I get to speak in public schools and weave “The Bible warns, ‘What good is it for a man my testimony subtly into my talk. I haven’t to gain the whole world and lose his soul?’ been kicked out yet,” he adds with a laugh.

This keeps me grounded in the purpose “It’s a way I can share my story and impact, of my life. It can’t be just about growing showing the value of the way we’ve all been in fame and talent — you can’t build your made in the image of Christ by the master life on something so shaky. That’s why my artist.” relationship with Christ is my anchor.”

“Further, I see my faith in action through the visual arts ministry at my church

Conor Sweetman Toronto, ON

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Precious to Jesus Interview with

Jung Lee

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Words by Conor Sweetman Jung Lee is a pastor and missionary who makes his home in South Africa. Jung and his wife, Helen, founded the organization Precious to Jesus to protect women and children from rape and abuse. In this interview, Lee explains his experiences, findings, and what lies at the heart of his mission.

When did your Christian work in South Africa start?

I was born again quite late — at 27 years old in 1999. When I got married, I got a job at an immigration office and served at Vancouver Korean Presbyterian Church as the missions deacon. During that time, in 2000, I started going to South Africa and got involved in a lot of fundraising events.

In 2009 my job at the immigration office gave me nine months off with full pay, and my wife told me she wanted to lead children’s ministry, seeing as she was already a pre-school teacher. So, we started looking for a place where we could settle down and carry out ministry, and right away God told us “South Africa.”

What was the reason you began Precious to Jesus?

In the first month we started our children’s ministry in South Africa, one of the boys got raped – and we didn’t know how to deal with it. Then a few months later, another girl out of our 12 kids got raped. This was way beyond what I knew how to deal with.

As we realized what these kids were facing we knew we had to do something, so we began a campaign called Precious to Jesus.

We designed a t-shirt that would help develop a sense of worth in these children, recognizing their value to God as their creator, as well as acting as a stern warning to others not to mistreat these kids. The campaign grew quickly, and in 2014 we registered as a charitable organization.

We ran successful campaigns called the Children’s March through cities that drew big crowds across the country.

Besides the Children’s Marches, you were doing further research, what were you finding?

There was a definite sense of reliance on the young men to make it through life on their own. We found a shocking percentage of young men ages 16-18 responded to our surveys with answers like, “My life is hopeless, there is nobody to go to.” As the young men became more isolated, they would resort to violence and drinking to let frustration out.

There is this sense of isolated independence.

Another way it is developed in the tribe I work with: the boys undergo a ritual to move into manhood, it’s a very important time in their lives. As these boys grow up, they begin to realize that, in many cases, nobody is there for them – you just have to man up and Respect take care of yourself.

“As these boys grow up, they begin to realize that nobody is there for them — you just have to man up and take care of yourself.” there is a significant social problem where young girls are raped, become pregnant and then rely on their mothers to help raise the children with no money or support.

a reference point for the sacrificial love of Jesus. These relationship issues need to be resolved by experiencing love in a day-today context.

How did you respond to all this?

To show this kind of life-altering, divinely inspired love, we need to walk with people, encourage them and show them what Jesus’ love truly looks like. It goes to the root of so many issues. God needs to be seen as He truly is – the Saviour and lover of our souls – not as an ancestor who can offer wealth and respect. Jesus Christ will certainly be worshipped if His glory and power to set the captive free are seen and experienced.

I didn’t know how to process some of the stories I was hearing and seeing firsthand. I was shocked. The heaviness of the situation got very overwhelming.

There was one instance where a few men on my team got into a car accident and one of them broke his back. As I drove to the scene, I was at my wit’s end and told God “I can’t do this anymore.” Then, miraculously when I arrived at the hospital, the man walked out of the emergency room completely fine.

That was the encouragement I needed – I knew God was with us.

How do you think God is working in this challenging situation?

The South African census states that 80% of the population identify as Christian.

Our findings don’t make sense with this.

Witch doctors are a big part of the culture; there is a prevalence of ancestor worship.

We all deeply desire respect, and often this is sought from the community and the ancestors. Respect is equal to reputation, so external appearance is the most important.

I started understanding that is equal to ancestor worship is prevalent After the ceremony, the reputation; they don’t even in the men live alone for a few Christian church weeks in a hut, surviving care about inner – the Bible is off the land; they take pride goodness, just as long considered to be in their survival of the judgmental, and primitive circumstances. as they aren’t exposed. many believe After they have succeeded, they need to they are accepted back find their own into the community as new spirituality men. As a part of the celebration, the young through experience with their ancestors. women join the celebration and dance for There is an attempt to have God without them. Throughout the celebration, there Jesus, and the Bible is considered a source is drinking and revelling, and the men are of discrimination rather than hope. Often, pressured to sleep with a random woman to where there are broken family relationships prove their manhood. As a result of all this, and distrust because of abuse, there isn’t

Conor Sweetman Toronto, ON

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Rooted

Words by Jessica Crump Isn’t it interesting how our moods can go from 0 to 100 so quickly? We fail a test, a loved one passes away or things just don’t seem to be going our way. The frustration builds, the jealousy harbours and we are unable to find peace within ourselves, even if we might seem on the outside to have the perfect life.

3. Make the decision every day to be content with where you are, be appreciative of the little things, and do not despise small beginnings.

4. Know that ultimately our joy comes from the Lord. If you remain in Him and have faith in Him, you will never be disappointed.

When our circumstances are doing better I write this to you, dear reader, to encourage than our souls, it is a difficult place to you! Life happens, it may hurt you or be — we have every disappoint you, or reason to praise, else it may be going but can’t find the amazing, but if you Don’t give up. Every situation is willpower to do so. keep yourself rooted a stepping stone to a promise.

The problem is that in Jesus then nothing Trust me, problems build if we limit our joy can sway you. to our situation, perseverance, keep going! then we are limiting God to our human condition.

So, what do you do when you don’t know where your joy went?

1. Don’t give up. Every situation is a stepping stone to a promise. Trust me, problems build perseverance, keep going!

2. Do not compare your life to others. The grass is greener wherever you water it. You do not know how long their night lasted until they saw that morning.

Jessica Crump Toronto, ON Influential book or album? Grace by Max Lucado.

Throughout the book he takes the reader on a journey on the depth of God’s grace, how it’s more than we deserve but so much greater than we can imagine. I’ve learned that I am enough, His blood and His love covers all my sins and I no longer have to walk in shame. If you can tap into the power of grace, your life will never be the same.

Corinne Kutz

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FAIREST OF THEM ALL

Words by Candace Maxymowich

It seems as though our culture is consumed with mirrors, places where we look for assurance we are indeed the “fairest of them all.”

Instead of being concerned only with the exterior, we should focus on the things that don’t show up in the mirror, like becoming more like Jesus in our actions and attitudes.

We need to shift our priorities away from sculpting and more towards sanctifying.

Perhaps we allow the mirror to haunt our thoughts and steal the contentment God intends for us as His sons and daughters.

Becoming a follower of Jesus doesn’t automatically cure us of body image issues.

Yes, our body is the “temple of God,” yet, at times we may reduce the idea of being “fearfully and wonderfully made” to having achieved a desired look of skinniness or being ripped.

Perhaps most importantly, we need to internalize the truth that our “imperfections” remind us to take our eyes off ourselves and direct them to the only Perfect One. We want people to see the immeasurable value given to us by Jesus not the low value suggested by our weaknesses and flaws, but that won’t happen if we allow ourselves to be mastered by the mirror on the wall.

God has a different plan for our lives. Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the chains of body image, but we have to be willing to let go of them. Let these words sink into your psyche : “So we do not set our sights on the things we can see with our eyes. All of that is fleeting; it will eventually fade away.

Instead, we focus on the things we cannot see, which live on and on” (2 Corinthians 4:18, The Voice).

A new school year means new clothes, new friends and old ones, nice teachers and scary ones, a packed lunch and a fresh timetable. As you walk into the doors of your school, remember that when you see yourself and others through the eyes of Christ, the superficial image in the mirror is replaced by the truth of how God sees us, and we become like Jesus – truly the fairest of them all!

“Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”

Simply the famous phrase from a scene in Snow White, right? Perhaps when we look further, there is a deeper connection to our lives than we have previously considered?

“...remember that when you see yourself and others through the eyes of Christ, the superficial image in the mirror is replaced by the truth of how God sees us, and we become like Jesus – truly the fairest of them all!”

May the God who created you, recreate a spirit of acceptance in your heart. When you look in the mirror, may you see a handcrafted masterpiece, woven together by the loving hands of your heavenly Father.

If you are tempted to be weighed down by your perceived imperfections, remember that Jesus’ power and beauty are what really matter, and ask Him to help you live so that others see that truth in you even more.

Candace Maxymowich Winnipeg, MB Influential book or album? What Do You Think of Me? Why Do I Care: Answers to the Big Questions of Life by Edward T. Welch provides biblical answers to finding freedom from others’ opinions and for genuine, loving relationships to grow as we learn about ourselves, others, and God. Tiko Giorgadze

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Elijah Temple & Opportunity International Opportunity International Canada (OIC) is a charity that has been facing poverty head on for the past 40 years. Christ’s call to serve the poor is what directs and energizes the organization’s efforts, says Ed Temple, OIC’s Alberta director of philanthropy.

Those efforts include exciting new tools and strategies to tackle poverty and related issues worldwide.

Words by Ed’s son Elijah Elijah wrote about his experience in Nicaragua which he wants to share. This is his story: Hi, my name is Elijah and I’m 12 years old. On April 17, my dad and I flew out of Calgary into Houston where we stayed in a Holiday Inn. The plane ride was pretty good even though I was scared of crashing at first — but I knew God would be there even in dark times. We got to stay in Houston for the day; we went to a Mexican place for dinner and got to visit the NASA Space Center. There I got a penguin plushy in a space suit, I named him Icy. During the time at the Space Center I went on a tour and got to see different cool spaceships and a learn a lot of detailed information.

The next day, at about 4:00 in the morning I and my dad flew out of Houston to Managua, Nicaragua. There we met our country host named Ivania. She showed us

around, including our hotel and the places we could eat. Our hotel was one floor, and we had a pool which was great because it was so hot (between 30-35 degrees Celsius).

Since we could not drink from the tap, we had to get a lot of drinks to quench our thirst.

also had a restaurant; that’s where we ate that night. I also really liked going to see an active volcano with Ivania’s family.

and had a kind of camping base where they

What surprised me even more was that she lived in a one-room house, yet she still showed responsibility by buying land and renting it out to her family. Although she is a single mom, I saw how hard she worked for her kids and how she was helping her family and neighbours. This is all thanks to a single loan.

What really moved me was the way families cherished each other deeply, even in the face of poverty. We visited many clients and their businesses That night, we met Ivania’s in Managua where family including her they had received a “What really moved me husband Juan and four loan. The one that was the way families kids — my new friends! stood out to me the Together, we all went out most was a single cherished each other for Nicaraguan food. The mother named deeply, even in the face next day we met our team Tanya. She was and went to see a presvery responsible of poverty.” entation on poverty and with her business; Nicaragua. Then we got to she sells bread, have lunch right at the client’s place — her tortillas, phone cases, music and movies. business was a restaurant.

She mentioned that tortillas did not make much money, but she continues to sell them My favourite part of the trip was going to because that’s what she started with.

Jinotega — there they grew a lot of coffee

Nicaragua has been a great trip and I’m hoping that other kids and adults can read this and have the desire to visit Nicaragua, helping to alleviate poverty and make a difference in the world. It is just great seeing for myself how Opportunity International helps people change their lives through a loan.

Ed & Elijah Temple Calgary, AB

Ian Espinosa

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HOW HIP-HOP IS HELPING ME FOLLOW JESUS BETTER Words by Youngdo Kang If you’re like me, the concept of discipleship means listening to sermons, joining Bible studies or reading a devotional, but then having to figure out how to apply the truth to your own life. You might have been given suggestions – good ones too – but how do you figure out where to start, how to avoid the common mistakes, how to apply it to who you are and your life, and then keep going? That responsibility usually falls completely on your shoulders (whether you are good at doing that or not).

What I see in hip-hop is different. To learn one of the elements (b-boying/bgirling, graffiti writing, emceeing, deejaying), you must ask someone who has already developed the

skill to teach you. Further, it wouldn’t just be a process of them explaining the facts and then you figuring out what to do by yourself. Instead, they would most likely lead you through the steps while helping you master the skill with your own unique flare.

It is true that nowadays, you could go to hip-hop classes, workshops or even learn it from YouTube, but what I still see in much of hip-hop is what I imagine Jesus’ followers experienced: You meet someone better than you and agree to be in a mentor-apprentice relationship. They show you how the truth plays out in their life and you do the same thing. You practise, and as you get the truth down — through this style of discipleship — you take it, make your decisions around it and let it shape who you are.

This idea has played out in my own life; let me explain how. I’m old — not old enough to have been on Noah’s Ark, but old enough to hang out with your parents more than you. Currently, I’m learning how to breakdance and I’m doing it by finding someone better than me and asking them to teach me.

They teach me by being present with me and going over the moves repeatedly. They don’t just tell me what to do, but also show me by demonstrating it themselves. Then, I try (and fail) as they watch what I’m doing, adjusting as they see fit. I practise on my own, but the next time we meet, I show them

“... it takes courage, humility, endurance, effort, encouragement, and especially relationship.”

what I’ve accomplished. If it is good, they tell – and show – me another move to learn.

If it’s not, they tell – and show – me again how it’s done.

This is how I imagine Jesus discipled his first followers – and it takes courage, humility, endurance, effort, encouragement, and especially relationship. (Do you know how amazing it feels when breakers I admire tell me my Baby Freeze looks good? Now imagine how dope it would be if someone told me that about how I pray?)

I’m not saying a speaker-listener dynamic in churches (or an author-reader model from books) is wrong, and I’m not saying hip-hop classes or YouTube videos are bad. These forms are often needed and have been a great help to many. However, I see a unique blessing in how the mentor-apprentice model works too.

Maybe that would be a great challenge for your life with God – whether you are starting one, growing in one, or returning to one (It might also be a good model to try if you are helping someone else in theirs)?

Let’s continue learning through these current methods, but let’s also find someone who follows Jesus better than you and ask them to disciple you in a “show me what you do and let me practise that” kind of way.

Even if it’s only for a month or two to try it out, it will most likely help your faith grow more than you’ve ever thought possible.

Youngdo Kang Jakob Owens

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When the Facebook bell starts ringing To tell of more lives taken By men with names that are not like ours You always say the same thing.

Martyrs

Words by Michael Bonikowsky

You say it every time, That they are monsters and Inhuman and cannot Be comprehended For they are not like us No brother, not at all.

But I say, brother, you’re a liar And maybe sister, you forgot The things we used to say in high school The songs we sang when we were young.

A little too in love with easeful death.

And I say how fortunate were we And the heretics we hated And the infidels we feared And I say thank Christ He made it clear Which end of the gun we are to stand on.

Mike Bonikowsky Melancthon, ON Influential book or album? Walking On Water by Madeleine L’Engle. The best discussion of the role of the Christian artist I’ve ever read.

Ian Espinosa

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An Always Thankful Prayer Warrior NeighbourLink North York paired up with Love Is Moving to feature the value of human connection with the seniors in our community. There are stories to be told if we take the time to listen. Behind every wrinkled smile and stooped stride, there is a story full of joy and trial — we want to hear them and celebrate a life that has seen and experienced things that we can only imagine.

Below, we are excited to feature the winning submission.

Words by A. A. Adourian She loves music, but that’s not why I love her.

I once introduced her as Margaret. “My name is Maureen,” she corrected. We laughed about my junior-senior moment.

We were both attendees of a writers’ conference (Write! Canada) in 2012. Maureen was 76; five years later we are better friends.

We bonded at that conference because I felt I had finally met someone who understood my pain. Maureen’s mom died when she was 15, and mine when I was 37.

Maureen grew up in Guyana. She has moved over 50 times during her 80 years (she turns 81 in August; we share the same birth month!). She came to Canada in 1987, and became a citizen in 1995—at age 59.

writing—especially the way she strings words and sentences together. She may not always feel strong, but to me she is! I don’t, for example, know many 80-year-olds that take the bus to the doctor’s office—despite the two-hour trip each way.

In 2016, she self-published a book of short stories called Not Forsaken: My Life’s Each time we talk, I am reminded that Journey. I could tell you about her profeswhere God is, He makes a way. Maureen has sional life—which included being chosen not always gotten to see the right doctor or to work in communications for President had the correct diagnosis, but she thinks for Burnham of Guyana—or her tumultuous herself, questions what she is told, does her married life and subsequent divorce after homework, and fights back. Oh Lord, I say eleven years and three children, but I believe to myself, please help me to never give up if when God looks at You grant me 80 her He simply sees years of life.

His child. She became Maureen has not always gotten During our cona Christian at age versations, she 25, and in her words to see the right doctor or had comforts me from the book, “God by saying, “You the correct diagnosis, but she has not promised know, I pray that all will be well for you every thinks for herself, questions all the time, but He morning.” I am has simply asked me grateful that what she is told, does her to trust Him. He has I can share never forsaken me.” homework, and fights back. my pain and Maureen relies on what Joseph, Job and Jesus went through to encourage her.

She has the humility to listen and to be teachable. When we talk and share about our lives, I feel that even though we have not experienced the same things, we have the same God because we understand how challenging it is to trust instead of worry, to hope instead of doubt, and sometimes, to just keep going.

Despite her health issues and struggles, she defines herself as a prayer warrior. I love her openness. I admire her desire to keep

my joy with her, and that she prays for me each day. That day, years ago—when we both shed tears over our mothers—turned out to be a good day for us both—thank God!

A. A. Adourian

Ian Espinosa

LOVEISMOVING.CA | 27

Recommendation

MOVIE

Wonder Woman Starring Gal Gadot

Wonder Woman deserves to be celebrated for a number of reasons. It features strong and intelligent female characters, it marries a great script with intelligent wit, and it is a welcome respite to the endless flow of slash-and-burn superhero flicks Hollywood is churning out; but there is more to it. There is a message here, hidden beneath the costumes and CGI, that is truly life-changing.

The Message of Wonder Woman

and Diana learns that there is a world beyond her paradise that is at war. She feels that she’s the one who can save it.

Setting out in a London that has been ravaged by battle (“It’s hideous,” Diana remarks), she embarks on her quest to rid the world of evil by killing Ares, the god of war, who has set the war in motion. If Diana can just kill Ares, the world will be saved forever.

The moral landscape of the film is set in the spiritual world. The warfare is representative of a broader cosmic battle between the powers of good and evil, and it is initially clear that the forces of evil are winning, although Diana promises to change everything.

For those who aren’t familiar with the story, it’s relatively straightforward.

(Spoiler alert—but chances are you know Put aside the Greek mythology for a at least part of the story already.) Diana moment, and doesn’t this sound like Prince (played by Gal Gadot) is half-god, something that we, as Christians, believe? half-Amazon woman, and she longs to be Can’t our physical world often be undera warrior like her mother. One day, during stood as the byproduct of spiritual warfare?

Amazonian boot camp, an American fighter Although the powers of darkness seem to pilot (Chris Pine) accidentally flies into the have control, we have been blessed by a Amazons’ paradise island, followed by a Saviour who disrupts the war and obliterfleet of German soldiers trying to kill him ates the opposition. But (It’s best not to think the symbolism only gets too much about the better. time-space implications “...in a magnificent act of this kind of inter-uniAt the climax of the of grace, she gives all verse intrusion). A film, Ares tries to reason her strength and the life with Diana. He tells her bloody battle ensues, 28 | LOVEISMOVING.CA

of someone she loves in order to save it.”

that humans are a cancer on the earth, and that if left to their own devices, they will destroy each other and the world. If she just stays out of it, he tells her, humans will self-destruct and the gods will be able to return to the earth.

Diana refuses to stand aside and let the world fall to pieces. In spite of all its flaws, humankind is worth saving, she determines, and in a magnificent act of grace she gives all her strength and the life of someone she loves in order to save it. Sound familiar?

“I used to want to save the world,” Diana says. “But then I glimpsed the darkness that lives within their light. I learned that inside every one of them, there will always be both. I’ve seen the terrible things men do to each other in the name of hatred, and the lengths they’ll go to for love. Now I know.

Only love can save this world.”

There’s some truth in that.

Sam Boden Stouffville, ON Influential book or album? The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis paints a beautiful picture of the Christian life, both now and for eternity, and inspired me to seek that life Park Troopers

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Post a photo and/or the name of your favourite artist and use #loveismoving on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter or email us at info@loveismoving.ca You could win 1 of 3 iTunes or Google play cards just for participating. *Gift Card winners will be announced in the Sept/Oct issue of Love Is Moving *Open to Canadian participants only LOVEISMOVING.CA | 29

Christian in the world of design Words by Jakob Sawatsky There are many reasons why I became a designer. People who know me well might say it comes from my native interests growing up: photography, videography, developing logos, blogs, websites and starting all sorts of new projects.

and environmental design. This includes graphic design, product design, UX (user experience) development, interactive technology development, visual arts and business/management. I am a student, a contributor, a leader and a friend.

There are so many companies I’d love to work for; so many things I would love to do In all honesty the primary reason I became and so many places I’d love to see. At times I a designer is because I trusted God’s plan feel like I am only focusing on opportunities for me. I’ve come to enjoy developing things that would take me in the direction of a that I find appealing or intriguing while self-fulfilling career, losing sight of what’s concurrently honouring important. Having the God. courage to admit these “... it is only through things is what helps My hope is to transition me move past my own from university and one your receptiveness desires and towards a life day establish my own to true wisdom, secured by God’s will. design company. These are my aspirations — your passion and a In today’s society we are however, in my life I’ve being given all sorts of relationship with God, come to learn that they guidance on that will allow you find mainstream mean nothing without how to become the next God. Proverbs 16:9 says, success according to young entrepreneur. As “The heart of a man plans a result, many people kingdom standards.” his way but the LORD rely on the ignorance of establishes his steps.” ungodly wisdom to lead My name is Jakob Sawatsky, I am a 19-year-old from Toronto.

My passion and area of education is visual

them toward that which the world offers as success. The truth is, it’s only through your receptiveness to true

wisdom, your passion and a relationship with God, that will allow you find success according to kingdom standards.

It’s difficult to continue being faithful when the world around you aims to bring you down. In James 1, God says that for those who remain steadfast under trials, he offers a crown of life. If you trust God, people are going to challenge your faith. People will see when God is being put ahead of yourself through your wisdom and will — because they are from Him alone. And so we must continue to build relationships, be honest and hard-working.

One day, I hope to design ways to inspire a culture of spiritual interaction, through true leadership, wisdom and purpose in Jesus.

Jakob Sawatsky Winnipeg, MB Influential book or album? One of the albums that has inspired my journey of faith as a young adult has been Zac Winters’ They Were Longing for a Better Country. Zac Winters shares biblical stories through a poetic and abstract way that encourages a deeper understanding of the wise and virtuous nature of the Bible and all of its contributors.

Carlos Alberto Gomez Iniguez

30 | LOVEISMOVING.CA

Some people in their Christian walk become impatient with all church talk, asking, Will I be used by God? For my life has not amounted to a lot.

But the Almighty continues working despite seeming to stop, forever according to his own secret clock.

Famous Abraham was seventy two, when asked to wander to a country far off.

And Noble Moses was already eighty of age, when used so Israel’s bondage would stop.

God’s Clock Doesn’t Stop Words by Daniel Field

Even Jesus the redeemer spent thirty years in history’s fog, before revealing himself as the Son of God. So don’t get afraid your journey with God has stopped, Just increase your prayers to the Father, And wait to see the role your life plays in Yahweh’s long planned plot.

Daniel Field Surrey, BC Influential book or album? A quote from a book called The Great Controversy helped point me in that direction. ‘’The people of God are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness.’’

Tristan Colangelo

LOVEISMOVING.CA | 31

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